I have a gut, but can easily see ribs on my chest...

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  • Philp0718
    Philp0718 Posts: 136 Member
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    I'll repeat what's already been said plenty: spot reducing is impossible, also, stomach fat is always the last to go. However, abs come from eating properly, no matter how many crunches you do! Eat tonnes of veggies, get your protein and keep an eye on your carb & sugar intake.
  • Eleonora91
    Eleonora91 Posts: 688 Member
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    Lots of women happen to still have some fat tissue left on their belly even if they're in a great shape overall. You might be one of those people who would need to lose a LOT of fat tissue (and weight) before getting their tummy where they want it to be... which might lead you to dislike other parts of your body unfortunately. It's all about balance, if you feel like there's still space for some improvement, do it. If you feel like you're at a good point and you can bear some "flaws", just enjoy mantaining your new body.
    I am personally at the same point with my upper body - it looks okay, but I'm losing all my chest while my thighs are still huge. I'd need to get definitey thin on my upper body to lose enough fat from my lower body!
  • battybecks
    battybecks Posts: 147 Member
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    Me too! It's incredibly irritating. I reached my weight loss goal, and my arms are about right, my legs are looking good, my neck is looking scrawny, and my belly is sticking out in a ridiculous way. It looks out of proportion to everything else!

    Sooo, I made a new weightloss goal. I'm going to see if the belly's gone in another six pounds.

    (What if you COULD spot reduce? How amazing would that be? Let's all just take a moment to imagine that wonderful world ...)
  • thatjosiegirl
    thatjosiegirl Posts: 362 Member
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    I have the same issues and it has to do with my genetics and body shape. I'm more of a rectangle than an pear/hourglass/apple, so I have a wider rib cage and not a whole lot of waist definition.

    Not much you can do except keep losing and eventually it will get better.
  • spirit095
    spirit095 Posts: 1,017 Member
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    I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,220 Member
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    I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

    You should lift heavy, not light weights. You won't get bulky and it will help you lose fat.

    http://www.jcdfitness.com/2011/06/i-dont-want-to-get-big-and-bulky-fitness-marketing-and-its-effect-on-women/
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/girls-get-your-guns-why-women-should-lift-weights.html
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html
  • spirit095
    spirit095 Posts: 1,017 Member
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    I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

    You should lift heavy, not light weights. You won't get bulky and it will help you lose fat.

    http://www.jcdfitness.com/2011/06/i-dont-want-to-get-big-and-bulky-fitness-marketing-and-its-effect-on-women/
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/girls-get-your-guns-why-women-should-lift-weights.html
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html

    I actually meant to say "lift weights" not "light weights" lol. I'm doing Strong Lifts at the moment. My bad, sorry! :embarassed:
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,220 Member
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    I have the same problem too. I'm just going to continue to eat at a slight deficit and light weights. I'm hoping that will help to lessen the ribs showing, but still lose the tummy fat.

    You should lift heavy, not light weights. You won't get bulky and it will help you lose fat.

    http://www.jcdfitness.com/2011/06/i-dont-want-to-get-big-and-bulky-fitness-marketing-and-its-effect-on-women/
    http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2013/09/11/7-strength-training-myths-every-woman-should-know/
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/girls-get-your-guns-why-women-should-lift-weights.html
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/8-reasons-women-should-lift-weights.html

    I actually meant to say "lift weights" not "light weights" lol. I'm doing Strong Lifts at the moment. My bad, sorry! :embarassed:

    Haha OOPS! There are tons of women who lift light. Glad to hear you lift heavy!
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
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    Perhaps you're just unlucky like me and have a bigger than normal ribcage. You could see my ribs at my starting weight. I'm pretty self conscious about it because, unless I am tightening my abs, my torso looks kind of odd. But like the others said, you can't spot reduce.
    This! I am the same way (thanks, Dad!). I carry most of my extra weight in my hips and thighs but I definitely have a few inches to lose from my waist. Even at a near overweight BMI my upper rib cage is quite prominent. You can easily see each rib. Not a good look for a 5'3" woman, I assure you.
  • JagerLewis
    JagerLewis Posts: 427 Member
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    You guys are all awesome! Thank you so much! I really enjoy using my own body and dumbbells for strength training...not really so much going to the gym. :(
  • civilizedworm
    civilizedworm Posts: 796 Member
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    I have the same issues and it has to do with my genetics and body shape. I'm more of a rectangle than an pear/hourglass/apple, so I have a wider rib cage and not a whole lot of waist definition.

    Not much you can do except keep losing and eventually it will get better.
    You could try to create an "optical illusion."

    Work shoulders -- broaden them -- and your lats. Create that V ... that'll make your waist appear smaller.
  • almostbeachbod
    almostbeachbod Posts: 1 Member
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    Planks. These are the best form of core work because instead of adding bulk by building muscle with crunches, planking actually utilizes the muscles that compose your natural corset and tightens it up. There are all different variations to try but take it from me. My gut has always been a trouble zone no matter how scrawny at the time I was. Part of my problem which may also be yours, is a very curved lower spine that just pushes it all front and center. But seriously, run, do lots of planks, and stay away from booze.
  • ChristineRoze
    ChristineRoze Posts: 212 Member
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    Yes same here!! I have very visual collar bones and even a bit of my ribs but everything under that is still pretty big. I have a small gut showing and big thighs..

    I guess we just have to keep losing, i doubt the upper body will get any thinner.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,709 Member
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    Planks. These are the best form of core work because instead of adding bulk by building muscle with crunches, planking actually utilizes the muscles that compose your natural corset and tightens it up. There are all different variations to try but take it from me. My gut has always been a trouble zone no matter how scrawny at the time I was. Part of my problem which may also be yours, is a very curved lower spine that just pushes it all front and center. But seriously, run, do lots of planks, and stay away from booze.
    Planks are a good strengthening exercise along with crunches, leg raises, etc. But exercises DON'T directly spot reduce any part of the body. It's going to come down to lowering body fat and that still has more to do with CICO than anything else.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
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    Two days of a few push-ups now and then and now I can only see hints of one or two pair of ribs when I flex as hard as I can into unnatural positions. :bigsmile:
  • JagerLewis
    JagerLewis Posts: 427 Member
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    Yes same here!! I have very visual collar bones and even a bit of my ribs but everything under that is still pretty big. I have a small gut showing and big thighs..

    I guess we just have to keep losing, i doubt the upper body will get any thinner.
    My husband calls my collar bones my handle bars. :laugh:
  • KombuchaCat
    KombuchaCat Posts: 834 Member
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    I tend to lose weight around my face and upper chest faster than my middle as well...when I start getting heavier it really shows in my face but it's also the first to go. I think if you just keep eating healthy and working out you will eventually see progress around your middle. Maybe keep a closer eye on your sugar intake including fruit, honey, etc not just processed, as that tends to collect as visceral fat and bloating on many people (myself included). The only time I see my gut get smaller is when I really limit the sugar. I could work out until I pass out and stay well within calories but if I don't cut the sugar that gut is going nowhere! Good luck!

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